I don't recall them having any other pets at the time, probably due to
Carl's allergies. He said he liked dogs, though,
particular huskies, with their expressive faces. He drew them in several
stories, always managing to capture the unique, humorous, husky
personality.

One of Gar&eacute's paintings was chosen to be sent to soldiers during the
Gulf War. Most of her paintings were of nature, i.e., mountains, trees,
deer etc. They were bought by "Leanin Tree" a company that produces picture
post cards or rather folded cards for messages. When the U.S.A. was at war
in "Desert Storm" against Iraq the company went through its many cards and
artists and finally picked one of her paintings to send as greeting cards
to the troops to remind them of home.

Garé died on March 10, 1993. She is now buried next to
Carl Barks at Hillcrest Memorial cemetary in Grants Pass.

Garé Barks Memoriam

John & Shelagh Lustig,
William & Elaine Van Horn,
March 11, 1993

It happens too often. Someone dies and then people begin singing their praises.
And it's too late. That's the tragedy.

Garé Barks did receive recognition and some fame during her life. She was
a successful landscape artist whose work graced the
front of numerous greeting cards. In addition, it was well known that she
lettered and assisted with the artwork for many of Carl's greatest stories.
Carl, of course, received most of the attention. And that's only right. But it
seems a shame that Garé -- who doubtlessly contributed so much to
all those wonderful duck stories -- never received more attention.

Almost two years ago we had the great pleasure of visiting the Barks'.
Garé seemed genuinely surprised when we asked her to autograph some books
along with Carl. The attention appeared to embarrass her. But she also seemed
pleased. By then Garés health had already begun failing. And yet, she
still came across as this incredibly feisty woman. Yes, she was gracious and
friendly. But she wasn't someone to be pushed around. At least, not easily.

She spoke about a San Diego Comic Con she attended with Carl. This was many
years ago before they fully realized how popular Carl had become. Suddenly a mob
of fans stampeded towards Carl. Garé had to move aside to keep from being
trampled. She was afraid. Not so much for herself, but for Carl. She couldn't
get through the crowd to him. In the following years she protected Carl from
many over-zealous fans and overly-inquisitive reporters. She became the dragon
at the door. The feisty little woman you had to get past in order to speak with
the great man.

Surely this was a thankless task. But love is a series of thankless tasks. And
in the end it is it's own reward. So maybe it doesn't matter that Garé
didn't receive massive amounts of media attention and wild public accolades.
That probably would have embarrassed her. In fact, if Garé could read
this right now, she'd probably be embarrassed. She'd undoubtedly be surprised.
And hopefully she'd be pleased.